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Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh

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This article is about the municipality in India. For its namesake district, see Bilaspur district.
For other places with the same name, see Bilaspur (disambiguation).
Bilaspur
बिलासपुर
न्यायधानी
Metropolitan
Country India
StateChhattisgarh
DistrictBilaspur District
Government
 • MayorMr. Kishor Rai
Area
 • Metropolitan145.76 km2 (56.28 sq mi)
Elevation
262 m (860 ft)
Population
 (2011 census)
 • Metropolitan331,030
 • Density322/km2 (830/sq mi)
 • Metro
452,851
Languages
 • OfficialHindi, Chhattisgarhi
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
495001
Telephone code07752
Vehicle registrationCG 10
Websitewww.bilaspur.nic.in

Bilaspur is a city in Bilaspur District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh, situated 133 km (83 miles) north of the state capital, Naya Raipur. It is the second-largest city (after Raipur-Bhilai-Durg Tri City Metro area) in the state. Chhattisgarh State High Court at village Bodri, District Bilaspur privileges it to host the name 'Nyayadhani' ((Hindi: न्याय धानी) Law Capital) of the state. It is the administrative headquarters of Bilaspur District. Bilaspur is the commercial center and business hub of North East Chhattisgarh region. It is also an important city for the Indian Railways, as it is the headquarters for South East Central Railway Zone and the Bilaspur Railway Division. It is also the headquarters of South Eastern Coalfields Limited.

Bilaspur is known for its aromatic Doobraj rice, handloom woven colorful soft Kosa silk saris, and more for its rich, varied and colorful culture. After the formation of Chhattisgarh state Bilaspur has emerged as the most favorable place to live in the state and developed city townships.

History

Historically, Bilaspur was a part of the Kalchuri dynasty of Ratanpur. The city, however, came into prominence around 1741, the year of the Maratha Empire rule, when a Maratha official took up his abode there.

The management of Bilaspur district was taken over by the British Government in 1818. The city was taken over by the British East India Company of Great Britain in the year 1854 from the then ruler of the region, Bhosale of the Nagpur kingdom belonging to the Maratha Empire. Under Bhosale of the Nagpur kingdom there were many subedars or zamindars/landlords like Akbar Khan, Vazeer Khan, Sao and others in Bilaspur.

Bilaspur district was constituted in 1861, followed by Bilaspur municipality in 1867. Famines in the Bilaspur district were recorded by the British administration in 1828-9, 1834-5, 1845-6, 1868-9 and 1899–1900. In 1868-9 and 1899–1900, the rains failed almost completely, resulting in severe distress, migration and desertion of villages. After the 1868-9 famine there was prosperity for the next 25 years; but in 1895 there was a very poor harvest, followed in 1896 by a complete failure of crops, and severe famine continued throughout 1897. In that year the mortality rate was as high as one in six people. The famine of 1897 was followed by two favorable years; but in 1899 the monsoon failed completely and the rice crop was wholly destroyed.

Guru Ghasidas (1756–1836) started a religious movement, Satnamis (meaning the worshippers of Satnam), between 1820 and 1830 primarily around the Sonakhan forests. This religious movement preached that god is not idols and not found in idols, but god is synonymous with truth. His community was a farming community, though in the Hindu caste hierarchy they have been put in the Schedule caste. The university at Bilaspur is named after him as Guru Ghasidas University.

Railways arrived at Bilaspur in the decade 1880–90, with the arrival of the Bengal Nagpur Railway. In 1888 Mistri Jagmal Gangji and other Mistri Railway Contractors laid the first railway tracks from Rajnandgaon to Bilaspur, and in that same year fellow Kutchi contractor Khoda Ramji and others built the line from Bilaspur to Jharsuguda, including the bridge over the Champa river.

In 1890, the present railway station and yard were constructed by the famous Gujarati railway contractor Jagmal Gangji. His son Mulji Jagmal Sawaria was later given the title of "Rao Sahib" by the British for his contribution to the development of the town, railways and the district. Jagmal Block and Jagmal Chowk in the city are named after Jagmal Gangji Sawaria.

In 1901, the population of Bilaspur was 18,937 and it was the eighth-largest town in the Central Provinces of British India. In 1908, weaving of tasar silk and cotton clothes were recorded as the major industries of Bilaspur.

Bilaspur enjoys the distinctiveness of being one of the major cities in Chhattisgarh with considerable historical significance. Located in the eastern part of Chhattisgarh, Bilaspur is nearly four centuries old. Referred to as the "Rice Bowl of India", Bilaspur abounds in lush greenery and boasts of a myriad number of tourist attractions. If the historical records are to be given any credence, then there is no reason to disbelieve the fact that Bilaspur owes its name to a fisherwoman, Bilasa in the 17th century. Bilaspur during that time and for many more years to come remained a fishing hamlet consisting of a few fishermen's huts. According to the census conducted in 1901, the total population of Bilaspur was somewhere around 18,937 and it was considered the 8th largest town in the Central Provinces of British India. One interesting fact that one comes across while flipping through pages of history is that even as early as in 1908, Bilaspur had already made a mark as home to the major tasar silk and cotton clothes manufacturers. As far as the historical background of Bilaspur is concerned, the city was an integral part of the Kalchuri dynasty of Ratanpur. The city rose to prominence in 1741 which was also the period of Maratha invasion that served as a major watershed in the history of Bilaspur.

Etymology

Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh

Historical records like Imperial Gazetteer of India, Vol 8, 1908 note that the city is said to be named after a fisherwoman by the name of "Bilasa" in the 17th century, and for a long period it consisted only of a few fishermen's huts.

Geography

Bilaspur is located at 22°05′N 82°09′E / 22.09°N 82.15°E / 22.09; 82.15.[1] It has an average elevation of 264 metres (866 ft).

Bilaspur is situated on the banks of the rain-fed Arpa River, which originates from the high hills of the Maikal Range of central India. This dolomite rich region is surrounded by lush green forests in the north and the coal mines of the Hasdeo valley in the east.

Bilaspur District is surrounded by Koria District in the north, Shahdol District of Madhya Pradesh, Mungeli District in the west, Balauda Bazar-Bhata Para District in the south and Korba and Janjgir-Champa District in the east.

Major metro cities around Bilaspur are:

Climate

The climate is pleasant and mild in the winter (minimum temperature 10 °C, 50 °F). There are medium rains in the monsoon season. The summers are very hot and dry, with maximum temperature 45+ °C, 113 °F.

Climate data for Bilaspur
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 23
(73) 		25
(77) 		30
(86) 		35
(95) 		40
(104) 		38
(100) 		28
(82) 		27
(81) 		28
(82) 		28
(82) 		25
(77) 		23
(73) 		29
(84)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 10
(50) 		12
(54) 		16
(61) 		21
(70) 		30
(86) 		26
(79) 		22
(72) 		22
(72) 		21
(70) 		17
(63) 		12
(54) 		10
(50) 		18
(65)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 20
(0.8) 		30
(1.2) 		20
(0.8) 		20
(0.8) 		20
(0.8) 		200
(7.9) 		370
(14.6) 		360
(14.2) 		200
(7.9) 		70
(2.8) 		10
(0.4) 		0
(0) 		1,320
(52.2)
Source: Bilaspur Weather

Demographics

As of 2011 India census,[2] Bilaspur Municipal Corp had a population near 331,030. Bilaspur urban area population is estimated at 452,851.[2]. Nearby or suburban areas will soon be included in the city limits. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Bilaspur has an average literacy rate of 87.29%, higher than the national average of 74%; with male literacy of 92.94% and female literacy of 81.33%. 15% of the population is under 6 years of age.

See also: List of cities in Chhattisgarh

The city has a Cosmopolitan and multicultural mix of people that have migrated from other areas of India.

The main languages spoken are Chhattisgarhi, Hindi and English.

Administration

Bilaspur City runs under the administration of the Bilaspur Municipal Corporation (BMC). Kishor Rai is mayor of Bilaspur. He is from the Bhartiya Janata Party.

Culture

Raut Dance of Bilaspur Chhattisgarh

The people of Bilaspur also have a great tendency towards adopting new trends and life styles. Bilaspur thus is multicultural, for people from all over the world have come and settled in this region. People of Bilaspur are also known for their simplicity, kindheartedness and adaptability. And this is the actual culture of Bilaspur.

Bilaspur is rich in its cultural heritage. Bilaspur has its own dance styles, cuisine, music and traditional folk songs in which sohar song, bihav song and Pathoni songs are very famous. Sohar songs are related to child birth, and bihav songs are related to marriage celebration. The main parts of bihav songs are Chulmati, Telmati, Maymouri, Nahdouri, Parghani, Bhadoni and other songs related to Bhanver, Dowery and Vidai songs. Pathoni songs are related to gouna (departure of bride to the bridegroom's home). The people of this region are very fond of colours. The dresses they wear are all colourful. Women too wear sarees with Kardhani. In rural areas women wear mala made of one rupee coins, though this has gone out of fashion these days. The people of this region are also known for creating humour out of language. Comical plays are very popular and are worth watching. The city celebrates all the major festivals of India. There are some local festivals such as the colorful Rout Dance (November), harley, and pola. The Rawat Nach Mahotsav is the folk dance festival of Bilaspur celebrated by Rawat tribes. The town has been the home of some famous literary personalities including Bimal Mitra (Bengali).

Utility services

Over the years, Bilaspur has developed with some 2-lane roads, street lighting and some beautiful squares. However the last decade has seen large scale unregulated urbanization and residential and commercial expansion, over straining the water resources and generally defunct civic amenities due to its indifferent officials and politicians. There is no master plan for city and surrounding areas.

The sewerage and drainage system is practically nonexistent, so much so that, like any other Indian town even the first shower of monsoon floods many areas. A massive restructuring of the sewerage system of the whole city and suburbs is undertaken by the "Bilaspur Nagar Nigam", and is expected to be completed in the year 2016.

Electricity is government regulated and as of now, no power cuts are effected, thanks to the massive expansion in energy generating capacity both by public and private companies in the energy sector.

Hospitals and Health Care Facilities

Bilaspur is home to numerous hospitals, some run by the state government and others by private and boasts of super-specialty physicians & surgeons.

  • Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences, www.cimsbilaspur.ac.in Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS) was established as an, undergraduate institution for M.B.B.S. degree course in March 2001 with intake of 100 medical students annually under Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur C.G. funded by State Govt. of Chhattisgarh

Transport

Rail

Bilaspur railway station is a regional hub for the railway system. It is the busiest junction of Chhattisgarh and fourth busiest of central India. It is the Zonal Head Office of the South East Central Railway. It is well connected to the rest of the country through the Indian Railways.Bilaspur railway station has the 3rd longest railway platform in India after Gorakhpur and Kharagpur. The Rajdhani Express (Bilaspur-New Delhi) via Bhopal bi-weekly connects Bilaspur to New Delhi. The station is on the Tatanagar–Bilaspur section of the Howrah-Nagpur-Mumbai line and another rail is for Delhi via Katni.

Daily connections are available for Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune, Nagpur, Indore, Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Amritsar, Agra, Roorkee, Haridwar, Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar, Puri, Tatanagar, Patna, Jabalpur, Raipur, Varanasi etc. It is also connected by. direct trains to Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Chennai, Ernakulam, Tirupati, Tirunelveli, Bangalore, Bhuj, Gandhidham, Okha, Porbandar, Dhanbad, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Gorakhpur, Shirdi, Udaipur, Bikaner Jammu, Jodhpur, Guwahati, Kanpur, Lucknow, Ranchi, Guwahati and many other cities and towns in India. Many local trains are running here daily for small station passengers

Other railway stations present near Bilaspur city are:

  • Uslapur
  • Chakarbhata
  • Dadhapara
  • Gatora

Uslapur is the other city station where express trains in Bilaspur-Katni rail line halts while the other three are for local-passenger trains only.

The Government of India is planning to lay some new lines from Bilaspur. Surveys of the following routes are ongoing:

  • Bilaspur−Uslapur−Mungeli−Kawardha−Dongargarh
  • Bilaspur-Gatora-Dipka-Katghora

Road

The city is connected with Mumbai and Kolkata through National Highway network. Bilaspur is on NH-130 connecting Raipur and Ambikapur.While NH-49 starts from Bilaspur and ends at KharagpurAnother National Highway NH 130 A is newly announced which starts from Bilaspur and end at Podi via Mungeli Kawardha merging with NH 12A to connect Bilaspur with Jabalpur. Other state highways are SH 7 and SH 5. Bilaspur city buses tracked by http://www.assettrackr.com GPS Vehicle Tracking System. There are regular buses and taxis available to all nearby major cities and towns.National Highway Between Bilaspur and Raipur is under 4 laning process while Bilaspur to Odisha border and Bilaspur to Katghora stretch of NH 130 are declared to be 4 laned by Central Government.

For local transportation three-wheeled, black and yellow auto rickshaws, referred to as autos, are popular. Local transportation also includes man-powered cycle rickshaws, horse drawn tangas [horse carriages], City bus etc.

Recently the city administration has started a city bus service which is available on three routes at present, i.e. City Railway Station to Sendari, City Railway Station to Sipat, and City Railway Station to Khuntaghat. Newly started for Hi Tech Bus Stand and High Court as well. 50 new city buses of which 10 are A.C. buses are expected to start from March 2015. 14 routes are proposed for new city buses.

Air

The nearest commercial airport is at Raipur Swami Vivekanand Airport, approximately 131 km from Bilaspur city. From Raipur Indigo, Jet Airways and Air India have regular flights for Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Indore, Kolkata, Bhopal, and Vishakhapatnam.

Bilaspur also has an air strip at Chakarbhata Airport Bilaspur Airport for VIP and military operation. Chhattisgarh's second airport will start at Bilaspur which will be jointly operated by AAI and Indian Army.It will be a domestic airport and expected to start in 2016[3]

Additional 2 airstrips are on Kota Road (Mohanbhata airstrip) and Mulmula. These airstrips are under Defense Ministry of India and lying unused after Second World War.

Tourist attractions

Temple Carvings in Malhar Bilaspur Chhattisgarh

Various archeological sites and temples in Bilaspur attract tourists from all over the world. Achanakmar Wildlife sanctuary is one of the renowned ecotourism spots in Chhattisgarh. Hasdev Bango Dam is 105 km from Bilaspur. Malhar and Ratanpur are the centre of archeology. Ruins of forts to ancient temples are found here. Talagram is famous for "Deorani-Jethani" temple. Bubble Island and Radhika water park are the parks which amuse the local people as well as tourists. Belpan has a huge pond as well as samadhi. Khutaghat is a scenic spot and is wanted by nature lovers. Forests, dam and hills comprise the surrounding of Khutaghat. Kabir Chobutara at a distance of 41 km from Bilaspur is a hub for mahatmas (saints). Bilaspur is situated on the banks of the Arpa, the main river. Leelagar and Maniyari are other small rivers of the district. Sonmuda is another tourist attraction which gives a panoramic view of valleys, hills and forest. The River Sone originates from Sonmuda. Places of interest in and around Bilaspur include:

Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve (ATR)

According to holidayiq.com Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve is ranked no. 2 of 19 places to visit in Bilaspur. Besides having places associated with its ancient and cultural heritage, the city is also famous for its wildlife variety. This is because of its situation within the state. It is reputed to have some of the densest forests in the country and an even spread of hills and rivers. One of the places worth visiting is the Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary.[4] Famous for the variety of its wildlife, the sanctuary is spread over an area of 551 km2 (213 mi2) and was set up in 1975 under the Wildlife Protection Act. The sanctuary is 55 km (34 mi) away from Bilaspur and is closed during the monsoon season.

Just before entry into Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary, is the Ghongapani Jalashya (dam) with beautiful panoramic views. Although there is no place to stay, it can be visited in the daytime on the way to Achanakmar.

Beyond the sanctuary, on the way to Amarkantak, there are government guest houses in Achanakmar, Keonchi and Lamni. These guest houses can be booked with governmental officials in the district headquarters. These guest houses are well built and the arrangements are also good.

The forest guest house at Lamni was built by the then British Officials. It is 1850 feet above sea level. It was built in June 1913 at the cost of Rs.3055.8 paise and 5 anas.

Within the sanctuary the presence of guar (Indian bison) and tigers are very much in evidence, as reported by the multiple sightings by the visitors. Other animals include the leopard, chital, panthera, striped hyena, canis, sloth bear, dhole, sambar deer, nilgai, Indian four-horned antelope and chinkara, which populate the sanctuary in equal numbers.

Trips to the sanctuary can be organized via private taxi operators.

  • Khutaghat: Located 55 km (34 mi) away is Khutaghat, where there is a dam and reservoir and it is possible to stay in the prebooked Irrigation Department.
  • The Khudia Dam, which is 75 km (47 mi) away from the city, is equally beautiful though more remote.

Places of interest within Bilaspur City

  • Vivekanand Udyaan
  • Deendayal Udyaan
  • Energy Park
  • Smriti Van
  • Traffic Park (on the outskirts of city at Lagra on Bilaspur-Sipat road)
  • Bilasa Taal
  • Kaanan Pendari Zoo
  • Ramkrishna Ashram
  • Arpa River Chhat Puja Ghat
  • River View Road
  • Bubble Island
  • Bandhwapara lake and fountain
  • Subhash Udyaan (gec Bilaspur)
  • Gol Bazar

Local memorabilia include the handicrafts that are available in Khadi Bhawan, near Satyam Cinema. Kosa silk saris and cloth are available in Sadar Bazaar.

The best time to visit is from October to March.

Food

Bilaspur is famous for Doobraj rice, chila, rice role, angakar roti, thetri-khurmi etc. No trip to Bilaspur is complete without trying samosa from various vendors. The large but light samosa of Bilaspur are different than the Punjabi kind (which is predictably bulky and full of blustery masala). At Bilaspur, this pale-gold, dimpled temptress seduces the travelers. There are many other local Chhattisgarhi foods you may find on visiting a local family such as cheela and dhusaka.

Education

New IT building GGV Bilaspur

Bilaspur has developed as a centre of education for Chhattisgarh with students from all over the state coming to Bilaspur to study engineering, medical and administrative officers' competitive exams. Along with the older schools, which provided excellent education, many new schools make Bilaspur the center for excellent school education, too. As of 2012 Bilaspur has 5 universities. Bilaspur has following educational institutions:

Universities

Graduate Colleges

  • GGU Institute of Technology
  • Lakhmi Chand Institute of Technology
  • Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Science
  • [3]
  • Chouksey Engineering College
  • Govt Engineering College, Koni Bilaspur
  • S.L.T. Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, GGV
  • Thakur Chedilal Barrister College of Agriculture and Research Station
  • Maulana Azad College of Education
  • College of I.T. & Applied Social Science
  • Department of Management Studies GGU
  • New Horizon Dental College and Research Institute
  • The SLT Institute of Pharmaceuticals Science
  • GGU Institute of Management
  • C. V. RAMAN Technical College
  • DP Vipra Law College
  • Koushalendra Rao Law College
  • CMD P.G. College
  • DP Vipra P.G. College
  • J. K. Institute of Pharmacy and Engineering
  • Govt Girls PG College
  • Shanti Niketan College
  • DLS College
  • Shri Sidhpeeth Mahamaya Education College
  • SBT College
  • P.N.S. College, Nehru nagar
  • Naveen Kanya Mahavidalaya
  • C.L. Chouksey Memorial Homoeopathic Medical College
  • J. K. Institute of Engineering
  • Akash Institute of Management
  • D.P. Vipra College of Education

Schools

  • D.A.V Public School, Vasant Vihar (S.E.C.L), Seepat Road
  • DAV LCIT Public School, Near New High Court, Bilaspur
  • Delhi Public School, Bilaspur, Raipur Road, Tifra[5]
  • Kendriya Vidyalaya
  • The Jain International School, Mungeli Road, Sakri
  • Maharishi Vidya Mandir 1, Mangla
  • Maharishi Vidya Mandir 2, Rajendra Nagar
  • Maharishi Vidya Mandir 3, Gandhi Chowk
  • Modern Educational Academy Public School, Rai Sahab Bahadur (R.S.B) Compound, New Sarkanda, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh (C.G).
  • St. Francis Sr. Sec. School, Ameri Road
  • St. Joseph Convent
  • St. Xavier's School, Vyapar Vihar
  • St. Xavier's Sr. Sec. School, Bharni
  • Loyola School, Rajkishore Nagar
  • Bharat Mata Higher Secondary School
  • Bharatmata Primary School
  • Aadharshila Vidya Mandir (AVM) – Koni, Bilaspur
  • Bal Bharati Public School, NTPC Sipat
  • Siddhivinayak Higher Secondary School
  • Balmukund Higher Secondary School
  • Vidya Vihar Higher Secondary School, Tifra Bilaspur Chhattisgarh
  • Bengali Higher Secondary School
  • Burgess English Medium School
  • Brilliant Public School
  • Colonel's Academy of Radian Education
  • Chhattisgarh Higher Secondary School
  • Christian English School
  • Devaki Nandan Higher Secondary School
  • Dreamland Higher Secondary School
  • Government Multipurpose Higher Secondary School
  • Lal Bahadur Shastri School popularly known as Municipal School
  • Mission Higher Secondary School
  • Mohanty English Medium School
  • Normal School
  • Pushparaj English Medium School
  • Puskar Convent School, Tifra
  • Saraswati Shishu Vidya Mandir, Juna Bilaspur
  • Saraswati Shishu Vidya Mandir, Rajkishore Nagar
  • Saraswati Shishu Vidya Mandir, Sarkanda
  • Saraswati Shishu Vidya Mandir, Tilak Nagar
  • SEC Railway English Medium School
  • SEC Railway Hindi Medium School
  • SEC Railway Primary School
  • SEC Railway Single Teacher School
  • Shanti Niketan Public School
  • Sheafer Memorial Christian H.S., Kududand
  • H. S. M. Global Public School, Dayalband
  • Lalu Baba Public School, Chingrajpara
  • Akshay Gurukul School, Vinoba Nagar
  • Church of Christ Primary School, Chanduwabhata, Tarbahar
  • Winners Valley English School, Jarhabhata
  • Holy Nursery Eng. Med. Hig. Sec. School, Rajkishornagar
  • Holy Cross Higher Secondary School, Mangla
  • Don Bosco Public School

Media

The city publishes print media newspapers in Hindi languages.

The following electronic media channels deliver local news 24*7:

  • Chhattisgarh Cable Networks (CCN)
  • Grand Gumber Channel
  • Siti News Channel
  • Z 24 Ghante – Chhattisgarh Bilaspur Buero
  • E TV M.P. CG. Bilaspur Buero
  • Sahara TV M.P. CG. Bilaspur Buero
  • P7 /Pearls News M.P. C.G. Bilaspur
  • Aaj Tak, Bilaspur Buero
  • India TV, Bilaspur Buero

Radio channels

  • Akashwaani – Government Radio channel, frequency 103.2 MHZ
  • 94.3 MYFM, Jiyo Dil Se − 1st private radio station of Chhattisgarh, frequency 94.3

Web portals

Internet penetration is gaining pace in Bilaspur.

Website name URL Notes
Bilaspur- Government Website http://bilaspur.gov.in/ Official government website for the city. Land records and other e-governance projects are available from here.

Notable people

Economy

Bilaspur is the center of electric power generation in India. Bilaspur and the surrounding area generate 10,000 MW of electricity, and an additional 50,000 MW are planned in the next few years. As many as 22 companies are interested to tap an estimated power generation potential of 50,000 megawatts in the region. The railways have gotten a major boost with big energy sector players set to invest Rs.5,000 crore in three proposed railways corridors around Bilaspur.[6] Chhattisgarh is also known as "The Rice Bowl" – Dhan ka katora. Bilaspur is the centre of agri products. There are approx. 500 rice and dall mills in the surrounding area. Bilaspur (South East Central Railway) is the highest revenue generating railway zone in India among 17 zones.[citation needed] The Bilaspur railways zone comprises the divisions of Bilaspur, Nagpur and Raipur. South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a subsidiary of Public Sector Unit Coal India Limited (CIL) – A Maharatna Company, is situated with headquarters at Bilaspur. SECL is a Miniratna PSU under the Ministry of Coal, with several awards in its credentials including best PSU award in 1997–98. An integrated action plan for development of civic infrastructure, including hi-tech water purifier system, proper drainage facilities and cleanliness, is being planned by the state government for cities and towns, while the proposed 'Arpa Project' would give a new life to the city of Bilaspur, minister for urban administration and health Amar Agrawal said in an interview to the Times of India, a leading newspaper of India. The State Government has drawn up an ambitious plan of Rs2,000 crore to develop the Arpa river bank in Bilaspur district during the next seven years. For this, the Government has constituted a ‘Special Area Development Authority’ (SADA) for the development of the Arpa river bank near Bilaspur city.

The Government has invited proposals from interested national and international institutions for the development of the river bank on a PPP model. The Authority has prepared a project for the development of the river and is now in search of organisations that would be interested in developing the river on a Public Private Partnership (PPP).

According to SADA, about 653 hectares of area on the banks of the river would be developed. This area is 13.4 km in length. Commercial, residential, entertainment and other institutional facilities would be developed in this area. On both the sides of the river, 13.4-km-long retaining wall, houses and commercial complexes would be constructed, besides bridge, roads and walkways. Water supply, sewerage, drainage, electricity supply would be provided in the area.

The estimated cost of all the works is Rs2,000 crore. The development works would be taken up in phases during the next seven years.

Of the total 653-hectare area, some of the land is owned privately. In lieu of acquisition of private land, the affected people would be given land at other areas. After development about 267 hectares of land will be made available for sale. By selling this land, the developer could recover the invested amount. The downtown is called Gol Bazaar (Circular Market). Gol Bazaar, Sadar Bazaar and company Garden Chowk are buzzing and vibrant but overcrowded with slow-moving traffic. In contrast there are some newly developed areas as well. The Vyapar Vihar is a newly developed commercial and goods transport area. Bilaspur has Chhattisgarh's first hi-tech bus stand at Bodri.

It has the High Court of Chhattisgarh which is Asia's largest court (in area).

  • Industries: Around Bilaspur, there are many industrial areas, including Tifra, Sirgitti and Silpahri Industrial Growth Centres. Sirgitti, Silpahri and Tifra around Bilapur are major industrial areas near Bilaspur. Located on the outskirts of Bilaspur city Sirgitti Industrial Centre is spread over an area of approx. 338 hectares. With about 324 industries it provides direct employment to 4431 persons. Silpahari Industrial Centre is another industrial area near Bilaspur and is home to many sponge iron industries. Tifra Industrial Area situated on the outskirts of Bilaspur city is spread over an area of approx. 65 hectares. Many chemical, PVC footwear, HDPE woven sacks, polythene bags and sheets, soft drinks and other units are located here. CSIDC or Chhattisgarh State Industrial Development Corporation Limited is responsible for the development of maintenance of all these industrial areas in and around Bilaspur. Chhattisgarh Laghu Evam Sahayak Udyog Sangh or CLSUS is an association of industries which represents all major industries of Bilaspur and Chhattisgarh. BEC Fertilizers – a unit of Bhilai Engineering Corporation is situated in the Sirgitti Industrial Area.
  • Power plants – Bilaspur has India's second largest power plant of NTPC at Sipat which generates power of 2980 MW with 3 units of 660 MW each and 1 unit of 1000 MW. Many thermal power plants are coming up in the surrounding area of Bilaspur. Also notable are Nova, KSK, Gitanjali, Mahanadi etc.
  • Shopping mall(s) – City Mall-36 (near Mangla Chowk) and Rama Magneto Mall (Srikant Verma Marg) and Big Bazaar at Rao Trade Center have opened here, providing ultra modern shopping facilities and movie multiplexes, and upcoming malls with City Center Mall, Rama Port and Rama Orchid Mall, which will be opened around 2014.
  • Multiplex – Glitz at City Mall 36 and PVR Cinemas at Rama Magneto Mall are the only good cinema halls. Inox might be coming soon.
  • Legal: The day the state of Chhattisgarh was constituted (1 November 2000) with its capital at Raipur, the High Court of Chhattisgarh was established at Bilaspur. It is the 19th high court of India.
  • Banks: All major Indian banks have branches and ATMs in the city. SBI have approx. 80 ATMs in the city as of 2013.
  • Website: A website dedicated to provide information on Bilaspur is maintained by NIC.
  • A new Indoor stadium is under construction at Behtarai Road.

References

  1. ^ Falling Rain Genomics, Inc – Bilaspur
  2. ^ India 2011 provisional census
  3. ^ http://www.dailypioneer.com/state-editions/raipur/air-taxi-service-proposed-from-raipur-airport.html
  4. ^ [1]
  5. ^ http://www.dpsbilaspur.com/
  6. ^ http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/cash-strapped-railways-gets-big-coal-boost/1/203474.html

The census has been taken from Hari Bhoomi Bilaspur Bhaskar Edition dated 23/12/2013.

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